Did you know that dogs can get skin cancer? Like us, their skin can be damaged by the sun’s rays. Breeds with fine fur and more exposed skin are more at risk.  Dog skin cancer, luckily, can be surgically removed. If caught early, your dog can go to a live a long and happy life. 

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Dog skin cancer shows up as a new lump or bump and tend to occur in places where there is little fur. Warning signs of dog skin cancer includes the appearance of a new lump or bump on the skin.  It might look like a wart and could be an unusual color (red, yellow, black, or brown). Dog skin cancers typically occur on the eyelids, face or head.

In this post, you’ll discover the different types of skin cancer in dogs. I’ve included the signs, symptoms, and options for treatment. 

Growths on the Aging Dog

It’s normal for dogs to develop growths on their bodies as they age. Unfortunately, there’s no way to determine whether those lumps are cancerous or not by sight alone.  The veterinarian will have to examine cells of the tumor under a microscope.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs in North America.   That’s because some cancers, like tumors of the spleen, don’t have noticeable symptoms until the condition is dire.

Dog skin cancer is serious, but it can be treated. The main thing I want to express is that it must be caught early.  Always bring your dog to a licensed veterinarian when you see any new lump or bump.  There are different types of dog skin cancer, which I explain later in this post.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer in Dogs 

Before you go further, it’s important to stress the importance of taking your dog to a veterinarian as soon after a new lump is spotted as possible.  Cancer is scary, but the faster it’s diagnosed, the better prognosis your dog will have.

Symptoms of skin cancer in dogs include fatigue, wart-like lump(s) that takes on an unusual color, fur loss around the sight of the lump, the lump becomes itchy or shows signs of ulceration, or a change in the size of the growth. 

It’s possible to miss the subtle signs of dog skin cancer.  Cancer in dogs can be a gradual progression of signs that aren’t easily identified in the early stages.  The most common first indication is a new lump or bump.

There IS Something You Can Do!

Whether you’ve already taken your dog to the veterinarian or not, there are some things you can do at home to help keep an eye on the growth.  

The first thing to do is take a picture of the growth. Put a penny (or some other point of reference) beside the growth before snapping a picture.  That will give you a baseline to go by.  You could also just measure the growth, going back from time to time to recheck. 

You can help researchers better diagnose and treat dog skin cancer.  Follow the link to the Animal Cancer Foundation and find out how.

Record the date and size of the growth in order to give you a better perspective over time. Ideally, you should make an appointment to see the veterinarian the minute you spot a new lump on your dog. This ensures your dog the best outcome if it is cancer.

Disclosure: I’m not a licensed veterinarian. If you are searching for medical information or treatment for your dog, please get in contact with a licensed veterinarian. This post does not intend to diagnose or suggest treatment for your dog. 

Other signs and symptoms might include loss of appetite, redness or inflammation of the skin, fur loss around the sight, and sudden itchiness on or near the lump.

The Many Forms of Dog Skin Cancer

Skin cancer in dogs can appear anywhere on the body, but is most likely to occur around the face or in places where the fur is thin.  Types of dog skin cancer include the following:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This type of cancer is the one that has a wart like appearance. Again, it’s impossible to say it’s cancer just by looking. My dog had a wart-like growth that turned out to be a harmless (but ugly) sebaceous cyst.  I had reason to worry, however, because of the location on the abdomen, a common place to find squamous cell carcinoma in dogs.

Mast Cell Tumor

Mast cell tumors can be benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous and likely to spread). Mast cell tumors in dogs can be removed through surgery. If caught early and all cancer is removed, dogs can go on to live a long life. This kind of dog skin cancer can grow fast or slow and tend to have a rubbery texture.  These usually occur on the trunk of the body. 

Mast cell tumors originate in the blood cells responsible for healthy immune function.  When a tumor forms, it contains pockets of chemicals known as granules.  Dog breeds more susceptible to mast cell tumors include Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Pugs, Shar Peis, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers. 

Warning signs of mast cell tumors in dogs include the presence of a solitary, slow-growing lesion. Fur loss can occur around the area and the skin tissue can become inflamed. Overall, however, the mast cell tumor might look as inconspicuous as any other benign lump or bump.  Get your dog to a licensed veterinarian as soon as you can after spotting anything that might be suspicious. 

Watch this quick video by Canna-Pet for signs, symptoms and treatment of dog skin cancer. 

Melanoma

This type of dog skin cancer is not like the kind that you or I might get.  In people, the word “melanoma” is something we should fear because of the malignant nature of the cancer. In dogs, however, they are usually benign.  Melanomas in dogs can look like small masses (black or brownish) but can also be flat, large, or wrinkled in appearance. 

The only way for a veterinarian to be able to tell you whether this is a serious type of dog skin cancer or not is to remove it or perform a small needle aspiration.  Small needle aspiration involves removing some of the tumor cells for closer examination under a microscope.  

Hair Follicle Tumors

Just as they sound, hair follicle tumors originate in the dog’s hair follicles.  This type of dog skin cancer presents as a tumor on top of the skin.  These tumors can ooze fluids and have a greater risk of infection.  Types of hair follicle tumors include:

Infundibular Keratinizing Acanthoma

This dog skin cancer develops higher up in the hair follicle and can present as one tumor or several. You are most likely to find this dog skin cancer on the neck or trunk. These tend to develop at around 5 years of age, if they are going to develop at all. 

Trichoepithelioma 

These occur in middle aged dogs and are often found on the back, shoulders, trunk, or tail.  Occasionally they occur on the dog’s limbs. Again, these can ulcerate and ooze pus and blood with the danger of becoming infected. 

Trichoblastoma

Trichoblastoma is a type of dog skin cancer that occurs in the hair cells at the root of the hair follicle. They are typically solitary and found on the head, neck and ears. Dogs more likely to develop this type of dog skin cancer are Standard Poodles and Cocker Spaniels. 

Pilomatricoma 

These tumors also develop in the dog’s hair cells. In very rare circumstances, you’ll find a malignant form that spreads to the rest of the body. The types of dogs more prone to this skin cancer are dogs with hair that grows and needs to be clipped.  A poodle, for example, is at higher risk than a hound. 

Histiocytoma

These are benign tumors that develop due to overactive immune cells.  In many cases, histiocytomas will disappear on their own.  If they don’t, and they are causing the dog discomfort, histiocytomas can be surgically removed.

Dog Skin Cancer According to the Canine Cancer Foundation.

The Canine Cancer Foundation is an amazing resources for all types of cancers found in dogs. If your dog does have a cancerous tumor, you will find everything you need to know about surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for dogs. 

Surgical Removal of Skin Cancer in Dogs.

Once the lump has been biopsied and viewed under a microscope, the veterinarian will be able to determine if the spot is cancer or not. If it is cancer, the best option is usually surgery.  Surgery is only considered if your dog is otherwise healthy.  Senior dogs or dogs with chronic disorders might not be considered good candidates.

The following is an affiliate link.  Although there’s no medical proof that supplements prevent dog skin cancer, they can help to alleviate the discomfort of itch and irritation.  

The surgeon will remove the growth by cutting out the tissue and taking a wide margin along with it. By doing this, surgeons lessen the chances of the tumor coming back (by leaving cells behind). 

Radiation Therapy 

Radiation therapy is used in certain grades and stages of mast cell tumors. Read more HERE. 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is only used in certain situations where the cancer may have spread or is particularly aggressive. Chemotherapy is an expensive option. However, it can help extend your dog’s life.  If you find yourself at this stage, please talk to your veterinarian about the dog’s quality of life and prognosis. 

Can You Afford to Treat Dog Skin Cancer?

People respond to dog skin cancer differently. In some cases, spending money on surgery isn’t an option because of the related costs. If you are in that position, you should know that some veterinarians offer assistance in the form of Care Credit. 

Care credit is a way to borrow against the cost of surgery. You have six months to pay off the balance before you are charged interest. 

If you are concerned about the costs of dog skin cancer surgery or diagnostic tests, ask your veterinarian if they offer any form of assistance. It’s your right to look around and find the best deal.  Alternative ways of dealing with cancer care costs include searching for active clinical trials. 

Dog Skin Cancer Summary

The most important thing you can do for your dog is keep an eye open for new lumps and bumps.  The veterinarian will need to examine the tissue in order to determine whether it is benign or cancerous. 

If the expense of frequent visits to the veterinarian are a concern, you can always shop around for veterinarians who charge less. At the very least, you might choose to watch the lump to see if it grows or changes in appearance. The minute any changes are noticed, you need to bring your dog to a veterinarian.

Please remember that if it is a type of dog skin cancer, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to treat successfully. 

I want to thank you for reading this post! I hope you’ll take a second to PIN, TWEET, OR POST for the benefit of others.  If you have any questions or concerns, always seek the help of licensed veterinarian.  I am not a veterinarian. 

The only person who needs to know how to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth is the veterinarian.  The best thing you can do for your dog is learn how to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth.  Plaque will form to some degree and the dog’s teeth may darken with age; however, you can avoid a lot of medical and financial hardship just by starting a regular dental routine with your dog.

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This site may contain affiliate links.

My Grandfather Didn’t Worry About How to Remove Plaque From His Dog’s Teeth!

That’s probably true, but dogs have become part of the family.  There  are still working and hunting dogs that…well….work and hunt.  These days, dogs are the babies of the family and we are the parents.  We’re much more knowledgeable than we’ve ever been and we know what plaque can do to the teeth and gums. 

Dogs are also living longer than ever before. Owners are willing to put a lot of money into veterinarian interventions including surgery, cancer treatment, and oral health issues.  It’s our responsibility to take care of our dogs. 

Why Does it Cost so Much?

Dental procedures for dogs includes professional teeth cleaning, x-rays, and extractions.  If your dog has never had surgery before, the veterinarian may perform pre-screening tests. These tests will help determine whether it’s safe for your dog to undergo anesthesia.  

Dentistry without anesthesia is risky and can be painful for the dog. In order for the dog to be awake for the procedure, they would have to be remarkably calm.

Factor in the wages of the veterinarian, the lab costs for pre-screening, x-rays, anesthesia, and the supplies used, and you’ve got a hefty bill. 

ADVICE:  Shop around for the best price. Not all veterinarian or dog dentistry clinics charge the same amount. If you have pet insurance, they will likely cover supplies, laboratory costs associated with pre-screening, and x-rays.

Are you interested in reading 9 Clever Ways to Afford Dog Tooth Extraction Costs?  Just click the link. 

What Can I Do At Home to Remove Plaque From a Dog’s Teeth?

At home, you can make sure your dog has a healthy diet with either high-grade kibble, or a diet that allows for bone chewing and dental dog treats.

In addition, there are really nice products out there designed to help you remove plaque from  your dog’s teeth. It’s important to only use toothpaste formulated for dogs. Use a soft toothbrush in a size appropriate for the dog. 

Altogether, it’s a good combination of healthy food, appropriate chew toys, and at-home dental care that make the biggest difference in your dog’s overall dental health.

Look below the social media icons to find page 2 and click on it to keep reading. While you’re there, please share! 

Histiocytoma in dogs are benign, meaning non-cancerous.  They usually occur in dogs under 2 years of age and affect certain breeds including Bull Terriers, Boston Terriers, and Boxers, to name a few.  Unlike its cousin the mast cell tumor, histiocytomas are more of a nuisance than a danger.

I created the following list as an easy guide for you to learn about histiocytoma in dogs, and I’ve included additional material to help you separate cancerous tumors from non-cancerous tumors.  By the time you’re finished reading this post, you will understand the symptoms, treatment options, and sheer patience required when dealing with this benign tumor.

Please read my privacy policy and disclaimer.  I am not a veterinarian and I cannot diagnose canine medical conditions.

There could be affiliate links on this page which means if you click on one, I will get compensated.  However, it will not cost you a dime.

Complete Guide to Benign Histiocytoma in Dogs

The following list provides the signs, symptoms, and typical characteristics of these benign tumors.  Also known as cutaneous histiocytoma in dogs, these tumors usually appear on the head, neck, ears, or limbs. 

1 Fast Growing

Histiocytoma in dogs are fast-growing tumors.  They have a slightly menacing look that tends to put dog owners in a state of panic. Expect the tumor to be pink or reddish in color with a smooth top. Be prepared, because they are disgusting.  Most of the time there’s only one tumor; however, it is possible for there to be multiple masses. Benign tumors like this are moveable when palpated.

2. Itchy

Initially, this tumor may bother you more than it does your dog. They’re not pretty to look at!  As wounds heal, the body releases histamine as an autoimmune response and that makes the tumor very itchy.

At this stage, it’s important to prevent your dog from scratching or biting it.  Depending on the tumor’s location, you may need to use an Elizabethan collar or other type of barrier to prevent that..  When your dog starts scratching the tumor, you know it’s starting to heal.

3. Will Cure Themselves

As much as you want to get that lump removed, it’s important to know that histiocytoma in dogs usually resolve on their own within 3 months.  

There’s never anything simple when it comes to dogs and medical procedures. If your dog is young and is presenting with this issue, the veterinarian will likely suspect histiocytoma.  Depending on the veterinarian’s experience with these, he/she may suggest waiting until it shows signs of regression.  Other veterinarians may suggest aspirating some cells to view under a microscope just in case.

This is just my opinion, but I would rather be safe than sorry. If it were my dog, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with a wait-and-see approach.  No matter how much reassurance I had, the best reassurance comes from a laboratory test.  I would want to know whether it was benign (most likely scenario) or malignant.

Only in Young Dogs

This type of tumor typically presents in very young dogs, usually under two or three years of age.  However, it can occur in older dogs from time to time.  Histiocytoma in dogs look and feel the same no matter their age.

Please note:  There’s a lot of variation in the age of onset, although younger than 3 years of age appears the most widely accepted range. 

Read all about Mast Cell Tumor Dog Life Expectancy

Common Among Certain Breeds

 The following breeds are susceptible to histiocytoma in dogs:

• Bull Terriers
• Boston Terriers
• American Staffordshire Terriers
• Shar Pei
• Labrador Retrievers
• Boxers
• Scottish Terriers
• Greyhounds

Histiocytoma in Dogs Originate in the Langheran Cells

The Langheran cells are found in all layers of the skin, but are most prominent in the stratum spinosum (the third layer of the epidermis). These cells form part of your dog’s immune response and work to prevent dangerous microbes from passing through.  Bacterial and viral microorganisms are detained by these cells. In addition, the Langheran cells work to protect the body against skin damage caused by UVB radiation.

Histiocytoma in dogs occurs when the cells grow and divide too much. This action results in small, red, button shaped tumors.  Sometimes there is more than one tumor (mass), but it is unlikely.

Not Painful

Histiocytoma in dogs are not painful. However, depending on the tumor’s location, the tumor can be irritated by friction and that can cause the tumor to ulcerate.  A scratched or ulcerated tumor is susceptible to bacterial infection.

How can you tell the dog is not in pain?  The following signs of pain have NOT been reported in dogs with histiocytoma:

• agitation
• yelp or growl when you’re close to the dog
• sensitivity to touch
• unusually quiet
• depressed
• might stop eating
• shallow breathing (possible)

Size & Appearance

Expect to see a small, perfectly round and raised lump.  Histiocytoma in dogs tend to grow very fast in the first four weeks until the settle at about 2.5 cm.

Button Shaped

This is pretty self-explanatory, but histiocytoma in dogs look like buttons and so are aptly named “button tumors”.

Red & Raised

These tumors are pink – red and are raised on the skin.  It’s tempting to want to mess with a growth on your dog’s skin as a way to try and get rid of it faster. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like to wait, you’re out of luck. This tumor takes a few months to regress and during that time, it might feel like you’re going out of your mind trying to keep your dog from scratching.

Unknown Cause

The originating cause is not clear.

Treatment

If the veterinarian is certain that it’s nothing more serious, he/she will likely suggest a wait-and-see approach.  They know that the tumor will begin to regress within a few months.  By waiting, you don’t encounter unnecessary expense and your dog doesn’t have to risk complications from surgery.

However, if the tumor grows and doesn’t appear to be shrinking in the given time frame, surgery might be required.

Diagnosis

To diagnosis histiocytoma in dogs, the veterinarian may want to do blood tests, urinalysis, and possibly aspirate the tumor to get a closer look under a microscope.  Practices vary from clinic to clinic.

Natural Treatment

• Apple Cider Vinegar

People talk a lot about using apple cider vinegar on the tumor to help shrink it; however, you have to ask yourself if the apple cider vinegar is responsible, or if it’s just simply time that’s taking care of it.  In my opinion, I suspect time is the real cure-all.

My guess is that the veterinarian would prefer you leave the tumor alone. The more you touch it, the more irritated it becomes.  That said, I highly suggest talking to your veterinarian about any over-the-counter supplements or herbal remedies you would like to try.

• Castor Oil

I’ve also read that some people also use castor oil as a faster remedy. Interestingly, castor oil is recognized as a healing agent and is used in a variety of skin treatments.  Again, I can’t stress enough how important it is to get your veterinarian’s approval before administering this.

• Golden Paste

Even natural treatments can cause problems under some conditions.  That includes “golden paste”, a homemade concoction made with ground turmeric, water, coconut oil and black pepper.  I’m a firm believer in checking with the professionals before aggravating any wound or tumor, so always check with your veterinarian first!

Please remember that I am not a veterinarian.  This post is not meant to substitute a visit to the veterinarian’s office.

Histiocytic Diseases are Divided Into Three Categories Including:

• Nonmalignant Nonneoplastic (meaning there is no cancerous tumor)
• Nonmalignant Neoplastic (non cancerous tumor)
• Malignant Neoplastic (cancerous tumor)

Nonmalignant Nonneoplastic (Benign)

Within this category, you will find:

• Reactive Cutaneous Histiocytosis
• Reactive Systemic Histiocytosis

The cutaneous version of the disease can show up anywhere on the body and are not itchy.  There may be multiple nodules but they are not painful.

The systemic version of this reacts very similarly, but can also affect the organs other than the skin.

Nonmalignant Neoplastic (Benign)

• Cutaneous Histiocytoma (benign – non cancerous)

This is the type of tumor this post is about and all of the information about it is in the paragraphs above.

Malignant Neoplastic (Cancer)

• Localized Histiocytic Sarcoma (cancerous and spreading tumor)

Prognosis for this is very poor because by the time you see a tumor on the skin, the cancer has most likely already spread.

To Lessen Confusion:  Look at the prefix for the histio diseases.  Those ending in cytoma are benign and those ending in cytic have the potential to be cancerous.

Malignant Histiocytosis

This is a rare hereditary disease found in Bernese Mountain dogs. In this disease, the liver, spleen, and central nervous system can be affected.  The disease moves quickly and is, ultimately, fatal.  It is considered a disorder of the mononuclear phagocyte system.

 Mast Cell Tumors Versus Histiocytoma in Dogs

Mast cell tumors are concerning if they are not caught early.  They occur within the cells of the connective tissue and will eventually metastasize to other organs.  Histiocytomas also originate within cells but are not cancerous.

I want to thank you for reading this post and I hope you’ll be back soon.  Sign up for regular emails so that you don’t miss out on important posts, trends, or new course offerings!

Glaucoma in dogs is a painful condition caused by increased pressure (intraocular pressure – IOP) inside the eye. To best understand glaucoma in dogs, you really need to know more about your dog’s eye anatomy. Don’t worry. I won’t bore you to tears (pun intended).

There are 3 categories of canine glaucoma including primary, secondary (most common), and congenital. Unlike the type of glaucoma you or I might get, canine glaucoma is much more likely to cause blindness. By the time you’re finished reading this post, you’ll understand why.

Disclaimer:  I am not a veterinarian so please don’t take my word for anything related to your dog’s health. Always consult with a licensed professional. Please read my disclaimer and privacy policies.

Affiliate links may be present in this post. All it means is that if you click on a link, I get paid a small amount of money at no extra cost to you.

Let’s take a look inside your dog’s eyeball:

Glaucoma in Dogs – The Ciliary Body

The ciliary body plays an important role because it:

• • produces the fluid that keeps the shape of the eye (if it didn’t, you’d have a deflated eyeball)
  • provides vital nutrients and oxygen through the fluid it produces (known as aqueous humor)
  • suspends the eye’s lens in place

The image over here makes it a little easier to picture.

In a healthy eye, the liquid drains back into the dog’s system through an opening between the cornea and the iris. The ciliary body does its own thing within the eye itself, working hard to maintain a healthy equilibrium.

Still can’t picture it?

Imagine overfilling a water balloon. The balloon is going to get larger and larger, creating pressure and compromising the balloon’s integrity. The same thing happens to the dog’s eye when normal drainage cannot take place.

This strain and pressure within the eye can eventually damage the optic nerve (and ganglion cells), causing blindness. Systemically, it’s thought that the increased intra-ocular pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, which then results in a loss of retinal ganglion cells.

Retinal Ganglion Cells

These cells (neurons) transmit image-forming and non-image forming communication between the retina and the brain. Each ganglion cell receives visual information from photo receptors.

I’m just going to come out and say that I don’t totally understand all of the complicated workings of each ganglion cell. As I mentioned above, I’m not a veterinarian. From what I can gather, however, these cells are an important part of the informational highway to the brain. They manage pupil function and transmit visual information.

Wouldn’t it be great if a pair of glasses was all it took to cure glaucoma in dogs?

Intra-ocular Pressure (IOP)

Both the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells are damaged by the intra-ocular pressure of glaucoma in dogs. The damage caused typically results in partial or complete blindness.

Normal IOP in Dogs

Normal pressure in dogs ranges between 10 and 20 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Pressures ranging between 30 and even 50 mmHg has been represented in dogs with glaucoma.

2016 STUDY:

An article written by Paul E. Miller, DVM, and Ellison Bentley, DVM, (published November, 2015, in Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice) reports that damage to the optical nerve or associated tissues can actually begin long before intra-ocular pressure (IOP) increases. The significance is that glaucoma in dogs isn’t all about pressure damaging the optic nerve. It might be one characteristic of the disease, but it’s not necessarily the whole picture.

Have a look at this short video from a woman who adopted a blind dog.  It’s sweet!

Primary and Secondary Glaucoma in Dogs

• Primary Glaucoma

Primary glaucoma in dogs is thought to be an inherited condition in which fluid does not drain normally. It’s typically seen in specific breeds (listed below) between the ages of 5 and 6 years, or in much older dogs. This type of glaucoma in dogs is usually caused by what’s known as “closed angle” glaucoma; however, (rarely) it can also be caused by open angle glaucoma.

Scroll down further for descriptions of open and closed angle glaucoma.

Acute primary glaucoma can come on suddenly. What that happens, it is considered a medical emergency. If the eye isn’t treated immediately, loss of vision is likely.

NOTE:

Since primary glaucoma is considered genetic, there’s a strong likelihood that both eyes will be affected by the disease. There is no cure for glaucoma in dogs. Medical treatment involves reducing the pain caused by increased pressure in the eye. It’s also important to follow protocol in maintaining the health of the other eye for as long as possible. More information below.

• Primary Closed Angle Glaucoma in Dogs (most common of the primary glaucoma type)

There are a lot of complicated medical terms to describe this process, but – essentially – the drainage angle becomes blocked by the iris. Primary glaucoma is caused by genetic defects that affect the eye. Once the fluid is trapped inside, pressure (inter-ocular pressure or IOP) builds quickly within the eye. Veterinarians refer to this as “acute glaucoma”, which is a medical emergency.

When this happens, there is a very high chance that your dog will go blind in the affected eye.
If you’re up for some serious medical jargon, check out this article at Veterinarian Medical Center of Long Island website.

• Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in Dogs (least common)

This type is considered a genetic mutation causing the build-up of pressure within the eye. The condition prevents the fluid (aqueous humor) produced by the ciliary body from draining naturally. As a result, death occurs within the ganglion cells.  As mentioned above, this isn’t particularly common, especially if breeders are carefully selecting dogs based on accurate DNA testing.

As promised, here is a list of dog breeds at risk of genetically acquired glaucoma:

BREED SPECIFIC PRIMARY GLAUCOMA:

Cocker Spaniel
Basset Hound
Chow Chow
Shar Pei
Jack Russell Terrier
Shi Tzu
Akita
Dalmation
Norweigan Elkhound
Alaskan Malamute
Husky
English Cocker Spaniel
Poodle
American Cocker Spaniel
English Springer Spaniel
Samoyed
Flat Coated Retrievers
Beagle
Giant Shnauzer
Boston Terrier
Siberian Husky
Greyhound
Smooth-haired Fox Terrier
Bull Mastiff
Italian Greyhound
Welsh Springer
Miniature Pinscher
Wire-haired Fox Terrier

Please note that in the list of breeds above, some dogs are more prone to glaucoma than others. It doesn’t mean that every dog in the list will get glaucoma.

You might also be interested in reading Wisdom Dog DNA Tests vs Embark Dog DNA Tests 2018

SECONDARY GLAUCOMA IN DOGS (Most Common)

This particular type of glaucoma works the same way, in that there is increased pressure within the eye. The causes, however, are typically due to disease (cancer, for example) or eye injuries.

• • Uveutis

This is the medical term for the inflammation of the eye’s interior. Debris and scar tissue end up blocking the drainage angle in this case.

• • Tumors/Cancer

If tumors are present within the eye, they can cause blockage of the drainage angle.

• • Dislocation of the Lens

In this situation, the lens actually tips forward and blocks the drainage angle. This is another scenario in which fluid keeps going in, but has no way of getting out.

• • Blood Clot

This is known as intra-ocular bleeding in which a blood clot blocks the drainage area.

• • Lens Injury

If the dog’s eye is seriously damaged, the lens proteins begin leaking into the eye. This creates an inflammatory condition. The swelling then blocks the drainage angle.

The Difficulty Associated with Early Diagnosis

It can be difficult to notice early signs of glaucoma in dogs. Unless it’s acute, the disease can progress slowly and the symptoms noticed can be passed off as a condition of ageing.  Your dog obviously can’t tell you about the pain, and unless he/she actually has a bulging eye or is really rubbing the area, you could easily miss the signs.

Secondary glaucoma in dogs is usually associated with increasing age.

The most common signs of glaucoma in dogs are:

• Eye pain

Some dogs do a pretty good job of hiding discomfort and others might begin pawing at the area immediately. If your dog moves his/her head away from you when you try to get close, or appears to be guarding or protecting the face, have it checked out by a licensed veterinarian!

• Eye discharge

My golden retriever seems to have naturally watery eyes that causes a dark stain on her fur. If there were a problem with her eye, the discharge would increase and become much more obvious. Along with this, your dog might seem “down” or have the blues. Remember, glaucoma in dogs is a painful condition.

• Off-Color

Take a second to look into your dog’s eyes. Do the corneas look grey, colorless, or even blue-tinged? If so, get your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

• Swelling

This is going to be pretty noticeable. As the disease advances, you’re going to see one, or both, of your dog’s eyes bulging. It might not be a lot, but you’ll notice a difference.

Other signs include:

• • Blinking a lot.
• • Reddened blood vessels
• • Dilated pupil
• • Pupil that doesn’t respond to light
• • Partial or complete blindness in one eye.

Making the Diagnosis of Glaucoma in Dogs

Veterinarians have a variety of tools used in the diagnosis of glaucoma in dogs.

• Tonometer

A tonometer is an instrument that measures pressure within the dog’s eye to determine the presence of glaucoma. This can be done without the use of anesthesia. To do the test, the veterinary ophthalmologist places a device on the eye to measure the amount of pressure.

•  Gonioscopy

In this case, a special contact lens-like prism is placed on the eye to evaluate how the internal drainage system is working. In particular, this device is able to see how well the anterior chamber angle is performing.

Of course, the veterinarian will do a simple physical examination as well. This involves looking at the eyes for signs of redness, inflammation, eye discoloration, and a test for vision.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma in Dogs

Here’s where things really get tricky. Once the veterinarian has diagnosed glaucoma (whether primary or secondary), the first thing that needs to be done is to remove pressure ASAP. The quicker pressure is released, the less damage is done to the optic nerve. In addition, the release of pressure reduces pain.

Note: Opening the drain and keeping it open in animals is difficult and costly. Most people opt for medicine that helps reduce the fluid build-up.

Surgical removal of the eye (called enucleation) is typically reserved for end-stage glaucoma where blindness has occurred or is imminent.

There are several treatment options. The problem is the expense, commitment to lifelong treatment, and the fact that eventually, even the good eye will succumb. Eventual blindness is almost guaranteed.

 Treatment options include:

1. medicated eye drops
2. stress management
3. change to using a harness rather than a neck collar
4. surgery to remove the eye
   

Medicated Eye Drops

Glaucoma eye drops and pills are expensive and are usually used to preserve sight in the unaffected eye for as long as possible. They are also used temporarily in dogs waiting for surgery.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This involves using lifetime therapies using canine antioxidant vision supplements. There are a variety of available supplements (ask your veterinarian for a recommendation). These supplements typically contain:

• amino acids
• vitamins
• lutein
• Omega 3 fatty acids
• lycopene
• and other combinations of antioxidants

If the dog has gone completely blind in that eye, you still have a few options. Some people prefer to have the eye removed and the area stitched. It’s important to understand that regardless of whether the dog has vision or not, that eye is still going to cause pressure and intense pain.

Other Medical Treatment Options include:

• -artificial lens and a drainage device (not normally done because of the high price and complication of the procedure)
• -insert an implant into the eye socket then stitch the lids shut. This helps to maintain the shape of the eye socket so that the dog doesn’t wind up with a sunken look.
• -injection of a drug into the eye socket. This drug is designed to kill the fluid-producing cells. Doing this helps to keep the overall pressure down which would reduce the dog’s pain.
• -Laser surgery is done only when the surgeon believes there is a reasonably strong chance that the dog will have vision in that eye for a while.
• -remove the eye and replace with a black ball that serves as a device to keep the eye socket in shape and remove the chance of a sunken in appearance later on.
• -The blind eye is replaced with a colorless ball that makes it look as if the dog still has a working eye. REMEMBER: You can’t leave the blind eye in the socket because the pressure is still going to be there. That pressure causes significant pain.

Glaucoma in dogs is a long-term, painful, and expensive condition. As long as the dog lives, he/she will require antioxidant vision supplements to slow down the progress of the other eye, frequent intra-ocular pressure measurements, and topical or oral medications to help lower fluid production.

Types of Medication Used for Glaucoma in Dogs

• Hyperosmotics

These drugs work by drawing fluid from the eye.

• B-Blockers

Beta Blockers help by reducing blood pressure.

• Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

This class of drug works by decreased the production of fluid from the ciliary body. If you’ll remember from earlier, this fluid is called aqueous humor.

• Cholinergics

Cholinergics (Miotics) work by reducing eye pressure. To do this, the drug supports increased drainage of intraocular fluid.

• Prostaglandin

This eye drop is used for open angled glaucoma and works by increased the outflow of fluid from the eye.

SURGERY – When blindness is inevitable

When or if your dog loses his/her sight, you will have even bigger decisions to make. 

• Cyclodestruction

This type of surgery generally utilizes a laser to reduce the production of aqueous humor. Unfortunately, this type of surgery (because it is non-invasive) isn’t able to determine exactly how much the ciliary body has been destroyed. A lens implant is usually required post-surgery in order to prevent cataracts from forming later on.

• Surgery to Increase Aqueous Humor Outflow

Shunts can be used through an implant and tubing that permits the fluid to drain effectively from the anterior chamber. This is a difficult procedure not proven to affect a positive long-term outcome. There are several possible complications associated with this surgery as well.

• Enucleation

Depending on financial status and the type of aesthetic outcome desired, people generally choose this option because of it is effective and much less expensive. Essentially, this involves removing the eyeball. A prosthesis can be inserted to improve the appearance and, by removing the eye, your dog is relieved of pain.

• Intrascleral Prosthesis

A silicon ball is inserted within the eye resulting in a better appearance and few complications. It’s thought to have a 95% success rate.

• Chemical Ablation

An injection of gentamicin (antibiotic) and dexamethasone (corticosteroid) is inserted directly into the ciliary body. Complications could include eye inflammation and retinal detachment.

When It’s NOT Canine Glaucoma

• Nuclear Sclerosis

Nuclear sclerosis is a common condition in ageing dogs that does not affect vision and does not require treatment. It’s different from cataracts. Cataracts occur behind the lens and block the veterinarian’s view of the retina.

The bottom line is that if you notice redness and some discoloration in your dog’s eyes, it doesn’t necessarily mean he/she has glaucoma. Glaucoma is very painful, can come on very quickly (acute) in which case it is imperative to seek veterinarian attention. He/she will want to reduce that fluid build-up ASAP.

Under normal circumstances, your dog’s eyes can become irritated or infected from any number of things. In most of these cases, medicated drops work well. Mild infections and irritations are not going to threaten your dog’s vision. In rare cases where you totally ignore what’s happening and the infection gets worse…you’ll have a problem. But who does that?

Dogs DO Adjust to Vision Loss

People are surprised to learn that dogs bounce back very quickly. Partial or even total blindness can be overcome with a little patience and preparation around the house.

-Enable sound cues
-tactile cues
-scent cues
-lots of talk direction
-maintain routine
-create awareness so that other people treat the dog accordingly
-close off any danger zones (for example, stairs with baby gate)

DID YOU KNOW? Dogs have about 300 million scent receptors compared to our 6 million?

MYTH: Blindness does not cause other senses to become heightened. The disabled dog (or person) has to rely on the other senses for survival and, therefore, pay particular attention to those senses more. It doesn’t mean that they have become heightened in any way.